Memorial

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Statement of T/Sgt William F. Coombs, crew member of another airplane in the same formation:
"We had dropped our bombs on the target at Peenemunde, Germany and had just passed over the target when a flak battery started to group or box their shots on the high group, It was observed at least four large bursts completely covering the left wing of Lt Mac Arthur´s ship when suddenly the ship quivered, shook and belched forth in a large red flash. Instantly it fell from the formation falling to our right. I observed as it passed me that the right wing was still intact although the left was burning furiously and in several parts one of which the engine was still burning and continued to do so until it hit the water just south of the target area. I observed no chutes coming from the plane and also the plane was black which must have been caused by the terrific explosion. As the plane passed me it was in a terrific power dive and it looked as if the remaining engines were still functioning."

Seven crew members were killed in the crash, two died of wounds later.

1st Lt John S. Mac Arthur drowned and his remains washed ashore on 4 August 1944 at Freesendorf beach. He was initially buried at Wusterhusen cemetery on 9 August 1944.